TITLE:
Development of a Procedure to Maximize Production of Hardy Rootstocks of Citrus Using Stem Cuttings
AUTHORS:
Richard C. Beeson Jr., Dilma Silva
KEYWORDS:
Citrus Propagation, Auxin Concentration, Stem Maturity, Cutting Length
JOURNAL NAME:
American Journal of Plant Sciences,
Vol.8 No.11,
October
30,
2017
ABSTRACT: Shoots of Citrus
sp. Kuharske were used to develop protocols for rooting reportedly HLB resistance rootstocks under intermittent mist.
Investigated were shoot maturity, nodes per cutting, leaves per cutting,
effects of buds, auxin concentrations and auxin solvent. Shoot maturity was
most influential for success, with cuttings taken below the first 30 cm of
active terminal growth producing greater root generation. Use of a thickening
agent (Natrosal) to dilute the commercial auxin was second most in importance for rooting success. Root mass increased with increasing number of leaves. Cutting stems between nodes or below the lowest bud were inconsequential.
To produce maximum number of viable cuttings, single node-single leaf cuttings
were preferred. Single bud cuttings produced one shoot after rooting. This was adventitious since multi-node
cuttings usually sprouted new shoots that would need to be removed before
budded. Evaluation of the best combination of auxin and cutting-related
attributes were evaluated with four additional common rootstocks in June 2016. Rooting was 100% successful. A quick dip (0.5 s) in a 7500 ppm solution of Dip&Gro produced the most root
generation in six weeks for all rootstocks. Root quantity varied by rootstock.